Reduce risk of fire and smoke spread on projecting open balconies with the AliDeck Balcony Drainage System installed between the aluminium decking boards to form an imperforate layer

One of the major concerns in modern building regulations is to maximise fire safety in the external envelope of buildings. The key method by which this can be achieved is through the use of non-combustible materials, such as our A-Rated AliDeck Aluminium Decking and Balcony Component Systems.

Even where non-combustible materials have been used, however, there remains the risk of reckless human behaviour, such as storing flammable materials on balconies. In these instances, it might be possible for a fire to occur and, where balconies are stacked, spread upwards or downwards by igniting flammable materials on other balconies or even spreading into the building through windows and doorways. Spread of smoke is another major concern and is a primary cause of injury in house fires.

An effective way to mitigate this risk is outlined in BS8579:2020, the guide to the design of balconies and terraces. In Chapter 12, Clause 2 (Materials and components for balconies in respect to fire) that “balconies comprising an open structure and open pedestrian surface should be fitted with a non- combustible imperforate tray or soffit to reduce the risk of fire spreading to balconies below via firebrands or burning droplets and to protect the balcony and adjacent internal areas from the risk of fire spread from below”.

By sealing the balcony, fire is prevented from travelling up or down the building and smoke is pushed out and away from the façade, helping to prevent apartments from becoming inundated.

AliDeck provides two distinct solutions to achieve the imperforate layer; the AliClad Balcony Soffit Cladding System and the AliDeck Balcony Drainage System. Within AliClad there are two options that fully close the soffit level; AliClad Flow and AliClad Decor, and either of these would deliver an off-the-shelf solution for compliance with this element of BS8579:2020.

Looking at the alternative approach, though, the AliDeck Balcony Drainage System provides an imperforate layer at the deck level. The Balcony Drainage System is made up of two major components; the Drainage Channels and the Drainage Gutters.

The Drainage Channels are clever extrusions that fit snugly between adjacent decking boards, filling the gap to collect and divert liquid to the Gutter Channels at the balcony edge. By virtue of the position of the Drainage Channels between the boards, the balcony deck becomes effectively sealed and imperforate for liquids, fire and smoke.

The most robust method to achieve the imperforate layer in projecting balconies is to use soffit cladding, such as the AliClad range. But for situations where this is not desirable or feasible, the use of AliDeck Aluminium Decking and Balcony Drainage System provides an effective solution.

To find out more or to discuss your balcony requirements, please call the AliDeck team on 01622 235 672 or email info@alideck.co.uk.